Thunder Valley is located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, between Rockyford School and Sharps Corner. Historically a ranching community, over the past ten years Thunder Valley has become a focal point for Lakota cultural revitalization amongst youth and young families. Some eleven years ago Jerome LeBeaux and his family began doing Lakota ceremonies and brought a Sun Dance to Thunder Valley. From the beginning, this Sun Dance was called the Thunder Valley Sun Dance. As Thunder Valley has grown, youth have been empowered by Lakota culture, the songs, language, prayer and holistic way of life.

Today hundreds of people and families participate in cultural ceremonies, events and activities at Thunder Valley. This emerging generation of young people, learning about the culture and building a spiritual foundation, has created a growing sense of pride and ownership in the community. Through a series of community meeting, gatherings and ceremonies, we decided to create a community development organization dedicated to strengthening our way of life and improving living conditions in our community.

Our holistic approach to community development includes strengthening our cultural and spiritual wellness, physical and mental health, and economic conditions. Job creation on Pine Ridge goes hand-in-hand with our cultural work; environmental sustainability and ecological health are central to our work. This empowering vision of community development, built on a philosophy of cultural strength, physical wellness and economic sustainability, is universally shared within our community.